NeuroPIPES
The NeuroPIPES (Neurodiversity Pipelines In bioPharmaceutical Employment through Supports) program is a unique program to equip, train, support, and retain neurodivergent talent for the biomanufacturing industry.
This program has really laid everything out and has been so supportive… here they prepared us and helped us so much that I am not scared anymore but excited. I truly believe this has changed my life for the better.
The NeuroPIPES program prepares autistic individuals with the skills to enter the biomanufacturing industry. This work was performed under a Project Award Agreement from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) and financial assistance award 70NANB21H086 from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Soft Skills Training
Participants will first receive soft skills training through UCLA’s Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) Clinic. PEERS® programs have been extensively researched and disseminated worldwide through translation, cross-cultural validation studies, and certified provider trainings.
UCLA’s PEERS® Clinic
The UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) offers manualized, evidence-based social skills programming for youth and adults who are struggling socially.
PEERS® InformationPEERS® for Careers Program
NeuroPIPES will use the PEERS® for Careers program, a peer-reviewed behavioral intervention to equip autistic individuals with social skills to be successful in a professional work environment.
Communication and Development
Participants will learn how to disclose their diagnosis to their employer, improve professional communication (e.g., interviewing), and develop other relevant soft skills.
Hard Skills Training
NCTM Training
Hard skills training includes online coursework completed at the participant’s home and two weeks of hands-on lab training at NCTM’s campus.
Procedures and Practices
Hands-on lab training includes cleanroom gowning procedures, documentation practices, and a high-level overview of upstream and downstream processing, as well as quality control (QC) using both single-use and stainless steel equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Upon the completion of the soft and hard skills training programs, participants will be guaranteed interviews or internships with our corporate partners.
Employer Training
Simultaneously, employers will receive training and activities designed to create inclusive environments and support the long-term retention of autistic employees.
Identify Needs
Identify support needs of autistic employees.
Address Skill Gaps
Address skill gaps among hiring managers and supervisors.
Work Effectively
Prepare employers to work effectively with autistic candidates when they begin interviewing for positions.
Program Details
Eligibility Requirements
- Some college (e.g. community college, 4-year university) or vocational training
- Between 18-35 years of age
- Identify as autistic
Please complete the form below to be added to the NeuroPIPES waitlist.
Contact Information
Contact our partners at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to get started!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 310-267-3377
You gave me the confidence I needed to pursue what I really love. I had never been so supported by people that weren’t my parents in my life. Just being believed in made such a difference.
I’ve been at my job at Pfizer for over a month and I love my job and my life…you guys really helped me change the projection of my life.